LATEST NEWS FROM THE LADIES

Sunday 5 June 2005 - Neston Ladies v. Hyde Ladies
The ladies team made the trek to newcomers Hyde last Sunday and, despite a shaky batting innings, managed to record a resounding victory. On winning the toss, Neston decided to bat first. After the fall of 3 wickets, the Neston side suffered a slight mid-order collapse but Nicky Wear (44) managed to keep the innings together, with the team finishing on 116 for 8 at the end of the 30 overs.

The home side’s innings got off to a far more promising start for Neston, with Bench dismissing Hyde’s opening batter for just 11. Thanks to some very tight fielding, excellent catches and consistent bowling, the opposition’s wickets continued to tumble, with the honours going to Rachel Bench (1-12), Heather Smith (1-6), Clare Smith (1-3), Nicky Newns (one wicket maiden) and especially Nicky Wear, who returned the exceptional figures of 4-2 with 4 maidens. It didn’t take long to wrap things up, with Neston authoritatively winning by 92 runs.

Sunday 22 May 2005 - Neston Ladies v. Poynton Ladies
Neston suffered a comprehensive defeat at the hands of Poynton, who, largely thanks to the efforts of the Cheshire opening batter, made a total of 133 before dismissing Neston (weakened without the presence of own county player and captain Rachel Bench) for 78, with Vicky Davis (50*) deserving special mention.

Sunday 8 May 2005 - Oxton Ladies v Neston Ladies
The ladies side enjoyed a near-walkover at rivals Oxton, whose largely young and inexperienced side was no match for the Neston team.

Sunday 1 May 2005 - Brooklands Ladies v Neston Ladies
Neston’s campaign for 2005 got off to a disappointing start when they narrowly missed out on a victory over Brooklands. Neston struggled to field a side and as a result the team consisted largely of youngsters, who all played exceptionally well given that for most this was their first ever game. A good batting innings for Bench (57*) and then some hard work in the field meant that the Brooklands side only just managed to edge past Neston’s total of 108 with just 5 more balls to go in the final over.